As you know, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, likely will be suspended on November 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown. I cannot tell you how many times folks have asked me, “Is the food bank prepared for no SNAP in November?” The honest answer is, no, we are not. We are very aware of what is about to happen. However, the hole that will be created by the suspension of SNAP benefits is far too large for any food bank to respond to effectively.
In Washington state, more than $170 million in SNAP benefits are loaded onto beneficiaries’ EBT cards. Nearly 15% of Whatcom County households rely on food stamps every month, which translates to at least $4 million in SNAP benefits.
So what can you do?
And where does that leave us?
If you know neighbors, friends, or family who receive SNAP, reach out directly to them and ask how you can help. Offer to buy them groceries if you can. Simply recognizing the challenge thousands in our community will be facing will mean a lot. It doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, feeling seen will matter.
As for us? Bellingham Food Bank will be doubling its weekly food spending budget effective today, Monday, October 27th. Our weekly purchasing budget is going from $75,000 per week to $150,000. We spend $4 million a year on food purchases—more than any other food bank in the state.
Our 2025 budget was already facing a large deficit, and now that will grow. The doubling of food purchases will help. However, it will not truly close the $4 million SNAP-gap the shutdown and politics is creating.
Here is link to our donation page if you’re able to support our increased food purchasing budget.
I truly wish I had better news. Thank you so much for your support, and let’s hope for an end to this madness soon.
-Mike Cohen